Martin Cook, Founder of Southern Gospel's The Inspirations, Passes Away

Martin Cook, founder of Southern Gospel's The Inspirations, has passed away. Martin was diagnosed with an untreatable, cancerous brain tumor recently by his doctors and had received Hospice care the past several days. His wife, Ora Blanche, said that Martin was not in pain since he was put in Hospice care. Martin went into the presence of Jesus on February 23, at 4:50 p.m. from the home. He was 85 years old.
Martin established himself at the top of his field in success and stature. A recipient of many awards and accolades, including Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame enshrinement (Class of 2003), Southern Gospel Piano Roll of Honor induction (2005) and the Marvin Norcross Award (2002), given by Singing News magazine, further validate Martin in his chosen profession.
In 1957, Martin began his practical Gospel music experience as the first pianist for the Kingsmen Quartet. He served two tenures with this renowned group and also played piano for the Silvertones Quartet. Additionally, Martin sang lead and played piano for the Smoky Mountain Quartet before forming the Inspirations.
It was then that Martin, a science teacher at Swain County High School in Bryson City, NC, and four of his students held nightly singing sessions in his home, purely for their love of Gospel music. They soon went on the road as the Inspirations, and became a famous name in any musical genre and models of consistency in the Southern Gospel Music world, maintaining tremendous popularity while logging nearly five million miles traveling the singing circuit while Martin was their manager.
The Inspirations have placed many songs on the Singing News Radio Airplay Charts, including several number one and Songs of The Year. Additionally, the Inspirations have received more than two dozen Singing News Fan Awards as a group and individual singers and musicians, including Favorite Gospel Group six times, Favorite Male Quartet in 2005 and Martin twice as Favorite Musician.
Tags : Martin Cook Martin Cook death Martin Cook funeral THE INSPIRATIONS the inspirations quartet
Hot Trends
-
Matt Maher Reveals How Johnny Cash & Roy Orbison Inspired His New Song
-
The LeFevre Quartet Announces 20th Anniversary Concert Celebration
-
The Jim Brady Trio Debuts Their New Album and Single (Listen to the New Single Here)
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Garment of Praise"
-
Darlene Zschech Celebrates Her 37th Wedding Anniversary
-
Aaron Shust Teams Up with Joshua Aaron for "Mountain of the Lord"
-
Fellowship Creative Reveals Their Heart for the Community Especially Those Struggling with Mental Issues
-
Faith-Based Movie "Pursuit of Freedom" Tells the Real Story of How an Ukrainian Woman Sought for Her Missing Children
-
Darius Rucker Plans on Being "Home for the Holidays"
-
Tarris Marie Battles Blindness to Write Her Debut Novel "Blaque Pearle"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Amy Grant's "Trees We'll Never See"
-
Michael English's Mother is Critically Sick & Asks for Prayers
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Gateway Church Pastor Robert Morris Undergoes Emergency Surgery
-
Jaelee Roberts Releases the Raw and Emotional “Heavy As A Stone In Her Heart”
Most Popular
-
Matt Maher Reveals How Johnny Cash & Roy Orbison Inspired His New Song
-
The LeFevre Quartet Announces 20th Anniversary Concert Celebration
-
The Jim Brady Trio Debuts Their New Album and Single (Listen to the New Single Here)
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Garment of Praise"
-
Darlene Zschech Celebrates Her 37th Wedding Anniversary
-
Aaron Shust Teams Up with Joshua Aaron for "Mountain of the Lord"
-
Fellowship Creative Reveals Their Heart for the Community Especially Those Struggling with Mental Issues
-
Faith-Based Movie "Pursuit of Freedom" Tells the Real Story of How an Ukrainian Woman Sought for Her Missing Children
-
Darius Rucker Plans on Being "Home for the Holidays"
-
Tarris Marie Battles Blindness to Write Her Debut Novel "Blaque Pearle"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Amy Grant's "Trees We'll Never See"
-
Michael English's Mother is Critically Sick & Asks for Prayers
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Gateway Church Pastor Robert Morris Undergoes Emergency Surgery
-
Jaelee Roberts Releases the Raw and Emotional “Heavy As A Stone In Her Heart”